‘Don’t waste the opportunity to do good during the month of Ramadan,” unknown
As the holy month of Ramadan fast approaches, Muslims are preparing to embrace a period of fasting, prayers and self-reflection.
The atmosphere is one of excitement and spiritual anticipation, as families, communities and businesses make arrangements to welcome this sacred month.
I am no exception to this feeling, as Ramadan has always been a time of deep personal significance — one that fosters gratitude, patience, and a renewed sense of faith.
One of the most anticipated aspects of Ramadan in Malaysia is the vibrant Ramadan bazaars nationwide.
These bazaars, often set up by local councils, are a yearly tradition that brings communities together, offering an array of mouth-watering delicacies, traditional kuih and festive treats.
For many, a visit to the Ramadan bazaar is not just about buying food to break their fast but also about experiencing the warm, bustling energy that comes with it.
Vendors look forward to this season as an opportunity to boost their income while customers enjoy the wide variety of dishes that they might not normally prepare at home.
However, beyond the excitement of the bazaars and communal gatherings, Ramadan is ultimately a time of self-discipline and compassion.
It is a month where Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset, not only as an act of religious devotion but also as a means to develop empathy for those less fortunate.
Fasting serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by many who experience hunger daily, prompting a greater sense of gratitude and a stronger commitment to giving back to the community.
Charitable efforts are a cornerstone of Ramadan, with many organisations, mosques and volunteers coming together to distribute food packs, hold communal iftar meals and support those in need.
The concept of ‘sedekah’ (charity) is emphasised more than ever, encouraging people to contribute in any way they can — whether through monetary donations, volunteering their time or simply offering kindness to those around them.
It is during this month that we see the best of humanity as generosity and compassion take centre stage.
At the same time, Ramadan also serves as a period of self-improvement.
It is a time when Muslims strive to strengthen their faith, practise patience and cultivate better habits.
Many take this opportunity to deepen their connection with God through prayers, recitation of the Quran and acts of kindness.
The ‘taraweeh’ prayers, performed at night, further enrich the spiritual experience, creating an atmosphere of devotion and unity.
For families, Ramadan is a cherished time that brings everyone together.
The pre-dawn meal (‘sahur’) and the evening meal to break fast (‘iftar’) are moments of togetherness, where loved ones gather to share food and reflect on the day.
It is a reminder of the importance of family bonds and the joy of simple, meaningful moments.
In a world that often moves too fast, Ramadan offers an opportunity to slow down and focus on what truly matters — faith, self-discipline and kindness.
It is a month that teaches us to be more mindful, grateful and generous, reinforcing the values that should extend beyond these 30 days.
Beyond the excitement of Ramadan bazaars and communal gatherings, the timely disbursement of the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) this week must have brought immense relief to those in need.
With the rising cost of living, financial assistance such as this plays a crucial role in easing the burden on families, ensuring they can prepare for the fasting month without additional stress.
Social media platforms have been flooded with posts from recipients expressing their gratitude to the state government, with many sharing images of trolleys filled with essential food items.
These heartfelt messages highlight the significance of such aid, especially at a time when households are managing expenses for Ramadan preparations.
For many, this assistance provides not only financial relief but also reassurance that they will be able to observe the holy month with sufficient supplies for their families.
I believe those receiving this aid have carefully budgeted their allocations to stock up on staple items such as rice, flour, sugar, and cooking oil—essentials that will sustain them throughout Ramadan.
With ‘sahur’ and ‘iftar’ requiring thoughtful meal planning, this support ensures families can focus on their spiritual journey without the added worry of food insecurity.
Beyond just the practical benefits, initiatives like SKAS reflect the values of compassion and community deeply embedded in Ramadan.
They reinforce the spirit of ‘gotong-royong’ (mutual assistance), reminding us that no one should be left behind during this sacred month.
The overwhelming gratitude seen online is a testimony to how impactful such initiatives can be, reaffirming the importance of continued efforts to support vulnerable communities.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
